Lead Service Lines at FORT SHAKER

What you need to know

FORT SHAFTER serves about 7,067 people in Hawaii. The water system draws from groundwater sources.

Lead service line inventory status: Not yet available. The utility has not yet completed or published a public inventory of lead service lines. This is not unusual—many smaller water systems across the country are still in the early stages of documenting their pipes.

Why this matters

A lead service line is the pipe that connects the water main (in the street) to your home. If your service line is made of lead, drinking water can pick up lead, especially in older homes or if water sits in the pipes. Even small amounts of lead can be harmful, particularly for children and pregnant people.

Many homes built before the 1980s have lead service lines. In some cases, water treatment can reduce lead levels, but replacement is the only permanent solution.

What FORT SHAFTER is doing

The utility is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines. Once an inventory is complete, it will typically be made available to the public—either on the utility's website or by request.

What you can do now

Find out if your home has a lead service line:

• Contact FORT SHAFTER directly. Ask whether your address has been identified as having a lead service line, and request copies of any available records.
• Hire a licensed plumber to inspect the service line at your property.
• Look at your home's age and original plumbing plans—though this isn't definitive.

Reduce potential exposure while you wait:

• Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if water has been sitting in pipes overnight.
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water can increase lead leaching).
• If you're pregnant or have young children, ask your doctor or pediatrician about lead testing.

Next steps for residents

• Contact FORT SHAFTER to ask about lead service line status at your address and when a public inventory will be available.
• Request a water quality report (often called a Consumer Confidence Report) to see if lead has been detected in the system.
• Have your water tested by a certified lab if you're concerned—the utility can usually provide a list of approved labs.
• Consult your pediatrician or doctor if you have health concerns about lead exposure.

Does FORT SHAFTER have lead in the water?

FORT SHAFTER has not yet published a lead service line inventory. The utility is required by federal law to complete this work. Contact the utility directly to ask about lead testing results and the status of their inventory.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Ask FORT SHAFTER if your address has been flagged as having a lead service line. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect your service line, or check your home's original plumbing records if available.

Is lead in water dangerous for kids?

Lead can affect brain development and learning in children. Talk to your pediatrician about testing and steps to reduce exposure. The CDC has detailed guidance on lead and children's health.

What should I do if my home has a lead service line?

Reduce exposure by flushing cold water before drinking, using cold water for cooking, and maintaining water treatment systems. For permanent protection, the line must be replaced—contact a licensed plumber and ask FORT SHAFTER about any replacement programs or assistance.